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Two purchasing agents approved for district

In another move meant to help watch spending, Wapakoneta City Schools Board of Education members appointed two administrators as purchasing agents and change order authorizers for the district.
Superintendent Keith Horner and Operations Director Mike Watt were approved this week to give the authorization for change orders up to 10 percent of the original contract award amount, not to exceed $25,000, with a follow-up report made to board members at the next regularly scheduled meeting.
“It creates another filtering layer for expenditures as we continue to be more diligent about watching our dollars,” Horner said. “It’s another way to scrutinize our spending.”
Watt served as the purchasing agent for the district prior to the approval, but both of them will now be required to sign on purchases.
Horner said this way both administrators see purchases before they are approved.
In other business, board members approved 27 board policy updates including issues such as sick leave, Administrative Staff Reduction in Force, nondiscrimination, School Choice Options provided by No Child Left Behind, use of medications, waiver of school fees for instructional materials, payroll authorization, payment of accrued and unused vacation leave, e-mail, school calendar, and public attendance at school events.
“It’s a long but repetitive list,” Horner said.
He described changes as nothing major but said updates made to policy at future board meetings may be more impactful as House Bill 153 takes effect and some changes may have to be enacted related to that.
Board members also approved donations of $500 each from Perry Corporation and Wapakoneta Band Boosters for additional bleachers for football games.
Horner thanked the donors for their contributions.
In other business, board members approved
• Retirement of Deborah Madden, whose last day of work is scheduled for Feb. 23. The speech and language pathologist has been with the district for many years and has done a great job with what she does and caring for children, Horner said.
• Supplemental contracts for Ashley McElroy as basketball cheer adviser, approximately $2,718; Kim Metz, ninth-grade basketball cheer adviser 1/2 of a 2/3 position, approximately $1,309; Broc Hottle, show choir band director, approximately $1,309; and Tony Tear, a basketball volunteer.
• Amendment to supplemental contract for Sarah Gray to 1/2 of a 2/3 position for ninth-grade basketball cheer adviser.
• Employment of five substitute teachers and one substitute cafeteria worker for the 2011-12 school year.
The board met in executive session to discuss appointment or employment of a public employee or official and to prepare for negotiations with public employees with no action taken.